Topeka’s governing body considers tobacco buying age hike

Topeka officials are considering increasing the minimum age at which people can legally buy tobacco products.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the Topeka City Council will take up the issue at a meeting Tuesday night.

Councilwoman Elaine Schwartz has proposed banning the sale or furnishing of cigarettes and other tobacco-related products, including electronic cigarettes, to anyone younger than 21. The current minimum age to buy tobacco products in Topeka is 18.

Eleven people, including many health professionals, spoke in favor of the proposal when the governing body accepted public comments last month.